Linux on three popular laptop computers

PORTABLE
QUEST

We took three samples from the current crop of notebooks to see which performed best with Linux.

Laptops present many challenges to the operating system. The chip sets and graphics adapters are typically vastly different from the models used in standard PCs. CPU and peripheral power saving features add more complexity. We investigated how well three current laptops by Acer, Dell, and Samsung performed under Linux. These machines are designed to replace standard desktop PCs, so a resolution of more than 1024 x 768 pixels was one of our basic requirements. Additionally, we wanted the laptops to have DVD writers and high capacity hard disks.